Best time to travel to Great Barrier Reef

Minke Whale in Great Barrier Reef 2025

Your most precious experience watching dwarf minke whales on their way to the Pole

Best time: June–August

Australia's winter is a high time to set off for the minke whale watching expedition. The Great Barrier Reef is located on their way to Antarctica, which makes it an ideal spot for getting the first-hand experience of observing them travel. To be more precise, the best location to catch a glimpse of minke whales is Ribbon Reef, where you can find a few options for whale watching.

Type of Whales & Other Marine Life

The Great Barrier Reef is home to approximately 30 species of whales and dolphins, who stop in the reef's waters on their way to and from Antarctica. Minke whales, specifically dwarf minke whales, can be spotted during the summer near Ribbon Reef, together with humpback whales who encounter the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area from May through September. Besides whales, visitors might also witness the Australian snubfin dolphin and the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, both of which are protected species.

Best Time to See Minke Whales

Minke whales embark on their annual journey to Antarctica in late spring, seeking cooler waters during the summer months. Although the precise route of their migration is still unknown, the whales are frequently spotted near Ribbon Reef. From May through August, these magnificent creatures can be seen near Cairns, the main city of the Great Barrier Reef. However, the peak of their migration falls in June and July, so consider booking your tour during this time.

Whale-Watching Tours & Expeditions

Several tour companies offer whale-watching expeditions, where you can swim with the whales, near Great Barrier Reef. The Australian government allows only licensed companies to conduct these swims, and all tour operators adhere to strict regulations to ensure the safety of both the animals and the visitors. The Divers Den tour operator organizes overnight expeditions to the Ribbon Reef, where travelers have a chance to witness minke whales up close and snorkel by their side. The trips take place in June and July, span four days and four nights and cost around $2,850-$3,050.